
Could we seed life on another planet?
We could, but does that fit with the Prime Directive set out in Star Trek?
Asked by: Eoghan Lumsden, Dublin
Quite possibly – and preventing it from happening has long been a key concern in interplanetary exploration. In 1964, the Committee on Space Research required that nations take care to sterilise space probes to minimise the risk of contamination by Earth-based organisms. As a result, probes are routinely treated with heat, radiation and disinfectants before launch.
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Authors

Robert is a science writer and visiting professor of science at Aston University.
Subscription offer
Subscribe and save 50% on the shop price. Pay just £16.50 every 6 issues by Direct Debit. Receive every issue delivered direct to your door with FREE UK delivery.